Study Design and Bioinformatics Consultation
Bioinformatics guidance at the planning stage, including sample and metadata structure, replicate strategy, comparison design and analysis strategy.
Bioinformatics · Data analysis · Training
From complex biological data to clear, reproducible results
BIRD provides practical bioinformatics analysis, workflow development, training, and research support for laboratories, research teams, and life-sciences organizations.
About BIRD
Practical bioinformatics support for research teams
BIRD is a Montréal-based bioinformatics consulting service supporting academic laboratories, life-sciences organizations, research teams, scientists, and students.
We help clients plan and perform biological, omics, and sequencing analyses, develop reproducible workflows, organize research data, and create clear documentation that can be shared and reused.
Support is adapted to each project, from focused technical assistance to complete analysis, training, and ongoing collaboration.
Who we are
Two bioinformaticians, one shared vision
BIRD brings together two bioinformaticians with more than 15 years of combined experience in biological research, genomics, programming, data analysis, scientific training, and knowledge transfer.
Our foundation in biology helps us understand the scientific questions behind each project, while our computational experience allows us to work across diverse genomic and next-generation sequencing technologies, data types, and research environments.
We created BIRD because we believe bioinformatics should be rigorous without being inaccessible. We work collaboratively, explain our decisions clearly, and provide clients with the knowledge and tools needed to understand their analyses and continue their work with greater confidence and independence.
Services
How BIRD can support your team
Practical support for research teams working with life science, biological, omics, sequencing, and research data, from planning to analysis, documentation and training.
Omics and Sequencing Data Analysis
End-to-end analysis for genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, amplicon, metagenomics, and other sequencing projects, including quality control, interpretation, figures, tables, and reporting.
Pipeline Development and Troubleshooting
Development, optimization and troubleshooting of Python, R and Bash workflows, with support for HPC and job-scheduler environments, including Slurm/Torque, automation and reproducible project structure.
Bioinformatics Training
Practical training in Python, R, Bash, bioinformatics and data-analysis fundamentals, sequencing basics, biological databases, file formats, research data organization, HPC and Alliance cluster basics, adapted to the learner’s background and project needs.
Research Mentorship and Scientific Guidance
Scientific and technical guidance for students, trainees and research teams, including project planning, code review, data interpretation, workflow documentation and knowledge transfer.
Research Data Management
Support for organizing research data, metadata, documentation, access-controlled files and project structure to improve clarity, reproducibility and workflow handover.
Why BIRD?
Biological insight, computational expertise, and knowledge transfer
We connect scientific understanding with practical bioinformatics so clients receive analyses that are technically sound, clearly explained, and easier to reuse.
Scientific understanding
A strong foundation in biology helps us connect analytical decisions to the research question.
Flexible technical expertise
Experience across genomics, omics, NGS technologies, programming, and HPC environments.
Reproducible delivery
Organized project structures, documented methods, reusable scripts, and clear analysis handover.
Knowledge transfer
Practical training and mentorship that help teams understand and continue their work independently.
Specialized expertise includes:
WGS/WES
RNA-seq
scRNA-seq
PhIP-seq
Metagenomics
GWAS/CNV
10x Genomics
HPC/SLURM
Biological databases
Workflow development and documentation
Programming instruction
Practical project-based training
Research support and mentorship
Training
Practical bioinformatics training for scientists and research teams
Training can be offered as one-on-one sessions, group workshops, or project-based mentoring using examples that match your team’s data and goals.
- Python and R programming for scientists
- Fundamental bioinformatics concepts
- Sequencing technologies and NGS fundamentals
- Biological data formats: FASTA, FASTQ, BAM, VCF, and GTF/GFF
- Biological databases and resources: NCBI, SRA, GEO, GO, and BLAST
- Linux and Bash for researchers
- HPC, SLURM, and Alliance cluster fundamentals
- Research data organization and reproducibility
- Workflow development, documentation, and handover
- Practical project-based training
Ways to Work With Us
Flexible ways to work together
Free initial consultation30-minute orientation meeting to discuss project goals, data type, timeline, current challenges and possible next steps.
Hourly supportFocused support for troubleshooting, technical questions, code review, short-term project needs and practical bioinformatics guidance.
Fixed-price packagesStructured support for defined analysis projects, workflow audits, study design consultations, documentation or training sessions.
Customized workshopsPractical workshops tailored to a team, course, research group or specific dataset.
One-on-one trainingPersonalized training adapted to the learner’s project, background and skill level.
Monthly lab supportOngoing collaboration for teams that need regular bioinformatics guidance, troubleshooting, training and workflow continuity across their research projects.
Contact
Let’s discuss your project or training needs
Tell us about your research question, data, timeline, and current challenges. We will recommend a support format adapted to your project, priorities, and available resources.
Confidential and unpublished project information is handled responsibly and is never used publicly without prior authorization.
BIRD is a member of
